Computer science is a lucrative field. However, it?s not an easy field to enter into. Employers pay relatively high wages for the service of computer scientists precisely because all the education, all the training, all the work that goes into becoming one is worth the salary. So if you want to be truly competitive and stand out among all those others with a degree in computer science, it is strongly advised that you attend one of the many excellent computer science colleges in the US.
?The best? computer science college isn?t the same for every student. Depending on your background and your post-education plans, certain colleges will fit the bill better than others.
The first place many potential students turn to is a college ranking such as those provided by popular magazines. These lists churn out computer science colleges with a unique combination of facilities, staff-student ratio, endowment, graduation rate, and the like. However, these may not be the same qualities that you personally seek out from a computer science college. Other considerations might include job opportunities after graduation, location, tuition fees, and the lengths of the programs offered.
One quality that you should always look for in computer science colleges: how up to date are they? This includes not only teaching methods and theories, but also facilities. In a field that accelerates and innovates as quickly as computer science, colleges with programs that lag even a few years behind the curve are quickly becoming obsolete. Get yourself the most currently applicable computer science degree that you can find.

Computer science programs exist for everyone out there! Many people have entertained at least a passing interest in this well-respected, well-paid field, but ultimately drop that idea after finding out how difficult or time-consuming computer science programs can be. Generally speaking, computer science is not the easiest of fields. But that doesn?t mean that it?s impenetrable for the average person. There are computer science programs that live up to commonly-upheld beliefs, but also those that might be quite different from what you might expect.
First, make sure that whatever computer science programs that you?re considering are all accredited. Without accreditation, the degrees that you earn from these programs will mean very little in the real world. Second, consider how much time you are able and willing to devote to your computer science education. For the optimal rewards in terms of salary and benefits, going for graduate programs in computer science is the path to pursue. However, many students are unable to devote years to attaining that master?s degree before they can enter the workforce.
Bachelor?s programs in computer science are probably the most popular. The typical four-year program gives you enough time to build a strong foundation of computational knowledge as well as find a specialty, if you so choose. Many of the best undergraduate programs in computer science will also assist you with either applying to graduate school or entering the job market, benefits which often kick in during the final year of school.
Even quicker to earn are associate?s degrees in computer science. These programs span as little as two years and will still make you eligible for many jobs.

So you want to earn a degree in computer science. A commendable goal, but you?re immediately faced with a large and potentially confusing task: how to pick out the best computer science schools that are still practical and feasible for you. Here are a few tips for discerning the good schools from the not-so good:
Money is more complicated than you think. You can?t simply look at the tuition of a computer science school and take it at face value. Many schools are capable of offering financial aid and/or reduced rates for residents. Check carefully to understand financial policies.
How careful is the computer science program about staying cutting-edge? It?s a fast-paced field, and a lack of access to either the newest facilities, the most advanced equipment, or the most well-versed teachers can be a serious drawback. Computer science schools that turn out students well versed in what came out a few years back?that?s not something an employer will look favorably upon.
What can the computer science school do to help you afterwards? Many schools are beginning to address the practical topic of how to enter the job market. This assistance might come in many forms. Elite and well-respected computer science schools with a longer history have often built up working relationships with companies in the industry. Students are able to connect to job opportunities under their schools? watchful eyes. Other schools might hold career fairs and visits, or arrange trips to computer science conferences and networking events.